Lionel Messi Crowns Evan Deasy and Melanie Russo at Inaugural Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown
- Miami Living Team
- Sep 22, 2025
- 1 min read
Lionel Messi presented the first-ever Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown in Miami, crowning Evan Deasy from Ireland and Melanie Russo from Miami as the inaugural men’s and women’s champions. Each winner received $5,000 and a meticulously hand-crafted World Crown, designed by renowned jeweler Joe Bazanetti, who also created Messi’s eight Ballon d’Or rings.
The global tournament, sponsored by Messi’s hydration brand Más+, began on August 2 in Los Angeles and traveled to Toronto, London, and Dublin, providing a platform for top grassroots talent from the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland. The Miami final transformed Wynwood Marketplace into an electrifying 1v1 battleground, complete with live music from Southern Legion 305 and exclusive Messi-signed giveaways for attendees.
Messi, who watched the semi-finals and final matches in person, praised the 1v1 format as a true test of individual skill and a reflection of the street soccer games he played in his youth. “It is super exciting and so engaging that you can’t take your eyes off the game,” Messi said.
Both champions expressed their excitement after the event. Deasy called the victory a “dream come true,” highlighting the significance of playing in front of his family and Messi himself. Russo described the opportunity as “ecstatic,” emphasizing her love for 1v1 soccer and the chance to showcase her skills on a global stage.
The inaugural Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown sets a new benchmark for grassroots soccer, offering aspiring players worldwide a stage to compete, shine, and be recognized. With such a successful debut, anticipation is already building for the next edition of this international 1v1 showdown.